Stratospheric Ozone Depletion

Stratospheric ozone depletion: kg CFC-11 eq.

Ozone-depleting gases cause damage to stratospheric ozone or the "ozone layer". There is great uncertainty about the combined effects of different gases in the stratosphere, and all chlorinated and brominated compounds that are stable enough to reach the stratosphere can have an effect. CFCs, Halons and HCFCs are the major causes of ozone depletion. Damage to the ozone layer reduces its ability to prevent ultraviolet (UV) light entering the earth’s atmosphere, increasing the amount of carcinogenic UVB light hitting the earth’s surface.The characterisation model has been developed by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and defines the ozone depletion potential of different gases relative to the reference substance chlorofluorocarbon-11 (CFC-11), expressed in kg CFC-11 equivalent.